Press Release 29.10.2019: Climate activists in Germany face trial and 2Mio€-lawsuit
Eschweiler, 29.10.2019 The trial against five climate activists who are accused of blocking the Weisweiler lignite-coal-power plant in 2017 in Germany begins tomorrow. RWE, Europe`s biggest CO2-Emitter, is also sueing the activists for two million euros compensation. During the trial, the activists will argue that the action was necessary and legitimate: "The blockade saved large amounts of CO2, which would otherwise have accelerated climate change. The action reduced the damages that the coal power plant causes every day. Hence, it was not only legitimate, but also no offence.“ says Cornelia, who is accused. The activists demand climate justice, which requires an immediat stop of lignite coal combustion. Moritz, also accused, states: "We will use the trial to publicly accuse RWE of the worldwide destruction of livelihoods through lignite-coal-combustion.“ Among others, a person from Tanzania, whose family is affected by climate change effects, and a climate researcher will testify in favor of the activists. Video-Messages in solidarity with the action from Mozambique, Bangladesh and Fiji will be presented in trial and are published on twitter. The activist group "WeShutDown" had blocked conveyor belts and diggers at the Weisweiler coal power plant near Aachen early in the morning on November 15, 2017, achieving the almost complete shutdown of the large-scale power plant. At the same time, closeby, the 23rd UN Climate Conference took place in Bonn. The blockade prevented the emission of 26,000 tons of C02 by the power plant. Supporters from the german Climate-Justice movement founded the campaign „We Don`t Shut Up! - Solidarity with #WeShutDown“ to scandalise the lawsuit. RWE, whose three large lignite-fired power plants Weisweiler, Niederaussem and Neurath alone emit about ten percent of German CO2 emissions, is increasingly targeted by climate activists and initiatives. The activists declare themselves solidary with the internationally known occupation in the nearby Hambach Forest, which protects the ancient forest from the biggest RWE lignite mine. The activists can be contacted for interviews or further questions. Contact: +491779037423 e-mail: wedontshutup@riseup.net twitter: @we_shut Pressreview of the action and the campaign against the lawsuit (german only): https://wedontshutup.org/pressespiegel/ fotographs: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147051632@N03/
Press Release: Germany’s biggest CO2-Polluter RWE Claims 2 Million Euros from climate activists
Europe’s largest CO2 emitter, the German energy company RWE, sues climate activists for 2.07 million Euros for compensation.
Cologne, 05/29/2019:
The German power company RWE sues climate activists for 2.07 million Euros for compensation. At the time of the 23rd UN Climate Conference in Bonn in on 15 November 2017, the activist group “WeShutDown” blocked conveyor belts and diggers in the Weisweiler coal power plant. With the blockade, the activists achieved an almost complete shutdown of Germany’s fourth biggest power plant.
Now, RWE is apparently trying to deter the anti-coal movement, demanding large scale damages from activists for the first time. But the affected activists will not let RWE intimidate them: “The claims by RWE cannot stop our movement. Climate change is not waiting. Coal-fired power plants must be shut down immediately and for good. As long as that is not achieved, there will be blockades and other actions.” says activist Cornelia.
The activists have filed an objection against the lawsuit.
The activist also face a criminal court case. It has been scheduled now for july 10th, 15th and 17th. The process will take place in Eschweiler, and deals with legal accusations such as disturbance of public supply and trespassing. The activists announce that they will use the attention raised by the lawsuit to accuse RWE of the worldwide destruction of livelihoods and to spread their demand for an immediate coal phase-out.
A journalist, who accompanied the action in Weisweiler, is also being sued. RWE even tries to deny his status as a Journalist.
The activists reject the plans of the German government to run coal-fired power plants until 2038: “Burning coal for another twenty years is madness. The capitalist economic system is based on the illusion of perpetual growth. That’s why we have to overcome it”, says Moritz.
RWE, whose three large lignite-fired power plants Weisweiler, Niederaussem and Neurath alone emit about ten percent of German CO2 emissions, is increasingly targeted by climate activists and initiatives. The activists declare themselves to stand in solidarity with the internationally known occupation in the nearby Hambach Forest, which protects the ancient forest from the biggest RWE lignite mine.
The activists can be contacted for interviews or further questions.
Contact: +491779037423 e-mail: wedontshutup@riseup.net twitter: @we_shut
Pressreview of the action and the campaign against the lawsuit (german only):https://wedontshutup.org/pressespiegel/
fotographs: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147051632@N03/